When to buy?

[Nessa1977]

This morning I've booked my flights for MEL to HNL and departing in August. I haven't booked inter island flights, accommodation or car rental as yet.

Do I need insurance now or wait til everything is booked?

In the past I've booked everything pretty much at once but couldn't pass up the $800 return with Jetstar inc checked bags.

I'm going to the Travel Expo next month and hope there'll be some worthwhile discounts on accommodation.

 

[Hvr]

Book your travel insurance now. You've booked the main flights so you know the departure and return dates so you can buy the insurance for the appropriate dates.

If next week you fall over and break your leg and cannot travel you will be covered with the travel insurance you purchased today.

 

[RooFlyer]

Probably best to get it now, in case there is a cancellation or some other change on the operator's side which doesn't suit you and therefore can't be refunded (or any reason, really).

 

[exceladdict]

I'm going to the Travel Expo next month and hope there'll be some worthwhile discounts on accommodation.

Went to one of those once and turns out it was a big rouse by Escape Travel / Flight Centre / Student Flights and a few others - all owned by the same company - so that their discounts looked very significant. Be sure to check directly with the hotels too

 

[Nessa1977]

Yeah been looking at hotels direct on their website and comparing to Expedia.

With regards to car rental, I'm again going through Driveaway Holidays as they include insurance, so no hidden nasties when picking up the car at the airports.

Just need to decide if I want a standard car like a Ford Fusion or Dodge Avenger or splurge on a Ford Mustang on either Kauai or Big Island.

 

[Nessa1977]

Just obtained a quote from Travel Insurance Direct using promo code: SAVEOAC and insurance will be $246, which is approx $100 cheaper than Covermore, who I usually go with.